Nintendo Wii Fanboy

Metareview: Boom Blox

Candace Savino — 2008-05-07T16:00:00 00:00

Gamers these days seem to be obsessed with the divide between what's "casual" and what's "hardcore." Often, software is immediately labeled for one group or the other. That's why it's nice to see games that bridge this gap, like Steven Spielberg's Boom Blox. There's nothing better than a title that everyone can enjoy. Did people enjoy it, though?

The answer to that question is a resounding yes:

1UP (100/100) loved the game so much that they gave it an A+: "Boom Blox is simply a laundry list of great features and options wrapped around an incredibly fun, expertly designed, and well-tuned puzzle game. Sure, its cute veneer won't do it any favors with the more intense console crowd, but I found it charming and refreshingly cheery. It's a casual game made for a casual crowd, but it's far and away the best one I've ever played."

IGN (81/100) enjoyed a lot of the game's features, but felt that the title's biggest strength was its addictive multiplayer: "EA has really capitalized on the Wii remote to give you pinpoint accuracy as you make throws with real, calculated velocity -- throws that interact with block formations encased in genuine physics. You will find the single-player offering robust and varied, but the multiplayer mode -- compatible for up to four gamers -- is tantamount to crack cocaine in its ability to addict. And while there are hundreds of levels to keep you busy, there's also a full-blown stage creator that works hand-in-hand with WiiConnect24."

Wired (80/100) praises the game's mass appeal: "Boom Blox does what so many Wii titles wish they could, by splitting the difference between casual players and lifelong gamers. You can pass the Wiimote to your grandma or a 5-year-old and they'll have a ball with its clever mix of brainy puzzles and satisfying explosions. But hard-core players like me will find a surprising amount of depth to the gameplay and a satisfying, addictive challenge."

Gallery: BOOM BLOX

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Metareview: Okami

Alisha Karabinus — 2008-04-14T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

The beautiful, imaginative Okami was perhaps one of the most-requested ports among Wii fans, and at last we're going to get a chance to get our hands on it. From the early reviews, it looks like it has been worth the wait ... though, surprisingly, the title's lowest score (by far) to date has come from Nintendo Power. As far as everyone else is concerned, Okami seems to be a smashing success.

Electronic Gaming Monthly: 94% -- EGM found the Okami port flawed, but worth every moment of the imperfect journey. "Okami's paintbrush-on-canvas mechanics that drive combat and interaction with the world seem perfectly suited to the Wii Remote but simply aren't reliably precise ... Still, it's one of the few games that can overcome shaky fundamentals in light of an astonishingly engaging adventure. Easily my (Nick Suttner) favorite Wii game."

Nintendo Power: 75% -- When Nintendo Power recommends the PS2 version of your port, there may be a problem. "Quite simply, the controls just didn't make the jump to Wii as well as they shold have ... Okami is a work of genius, but you should play the original game instead of the Wii version if you can."

IGN: 90% -- Matt Casamassina enjoyed the controls, and the port itself, even more* than the original -- which was 2006's Game of the Year at IGN. "Now, you can play the game in 480p and 16:9 widescreen, and you can do so using the Wii remote, which controls Amaterasu's celestial brush with a level of speed and accuracy never before possible. It's implemented so triumphantly that it actually changes the pace of the game, effectively speeding everything up ... Okami's strengths on Wii far outweigh any of its weaknesses. Wii owners can pick the game up for only $39.99 and those who do will be walking away with an outstanding title full of great adventure of a caliber typically reserved for titles starring Link and Zelda. I still think Twilight Princess is Wii's best adventure, but Okami is more than a worthy alternative. Support this game -- it deserves nothing less than your full attention."

*Note that despite liking the Wii version more, Casamassina scored this Okami lower due to the time that has lapsed since the original, and due to unchanged and unfixed issues.

Gallery: Okami

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Metareview: Mario Kart Wii

Chris Greenhough — 2008-04-03T15:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Okay, if everybody could just stop what they're doing, and focus here, please. You, with the Mountain Dew. You, with the shoes. Let's concentrate. Mario Kart Wii is flipping and somersaulting its way to all major regions later this month, so roughly now would be a good time to start getting excited. If you really need any further encouragement, let's see what the reviews say*:

NGamer UK -- 88%: NGamer UK claimed that not enough effort had been expended on the local multiplayer mode, that balloon battle "still stinks," but that the online modes were well-executed, and that overall Mario Kart Wii is "a really solid Mario Kart with a terrific online setup. There's plenty here to make up for the disappointment of local multiplayer, but it does stop short of magnificence."

Eurogamer -- 80%: Meanwhile, it looks like yours truly may have spoken too soon when it comes to the Wii Wheel -- according to Eurogamer, the peripheral is "ergonomically brilliant, satisfyingly solid and adorably chunky." Which is good news, considering the gimped Classic Controller and GameCube pad controls. They seemed to like the rest of the game as well: "Ultimately, the sheer sensory pleasure of playing Mario Kart Wii - from the charming animations, to the bopping tunes, to the sugar-rush boosting, to the exquisite steering - far overcomes the few concerns we have about it. It still has to be docked a mark for the awkward structure and compromised battle modes - but it's still unreservedly recommended to anyone for whom Mario Kart is a gaming cornerstone. And really, that should be everyone."

Nintendo Power -- 90%: Nintendo Power was more effusive in its praise, claiming that: "With more features, modes and multiplayer options than ever before, fans should be revved up to get behind the wheel." [May 2008, p.86 -- excerpt found at Metacritic]

* Also worth noting is Famitsu's 37/40 score, a combination of one ten, and three nines.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii

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Metareview: Opoona

Alisha Karabinus — 2008-04-01T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

In last week's bevy of releases beginning with 'O,' one title stood as a shining beacon of hope ... rather, we shined a beacon of hope on it, crossing our fingers that the quirky Opoona might rise from the ashes of its lackluster Japanese reception as a worthwhile title. Instead, it looks like the nunchuk-controlled RPG is destined for the annals of mediocrity. Alas, poor Opoona, we hardly knew ye.

Games Radar: 60% -- Ultimately, the tedium seemed to get in the way of the game's best qualities. "The already threadbare plot comes to a grinding halt every time you have to take a 10 minute detour over to the ol' licensing office and get your job level increased. The incredibly inefficient city design is unnecessarily confusing as well, adding even more time to your errands. It's extra frustrating that you have a wireless PDA device that constantly downloads new data and could just as easily receive the job/license info while you're out doing the quests ... Give credit to Opoona for trying to wedge a lot of new ideas into its paper thin premise, but the half baked 'lifestyle' elements can't hide the fact that it's a very simplistic and ultimately uninteresting RPG."

1UP: 50% -- Like so many titles, fascinating, but flawed. "Despite its good looks, Opoona really stumbles in its localization. The game's English translation is rough and lifeless, with multiple typos and characters that barely sound different from one another, not to mention out-and-out confusion when NPCs say things like "head to that door" when there are multiple doors in a room -- confusion like that unnecessarily slows down progress.

Opoona's heart is undeniably in the right place. As an RPG, it's pretty standard, yet it manages to be just plain comforting thanks to its quirky looks and sounds -- and even its easy one-handed control option. The game only really stresses you out when you're figuring out what job to do next and where to go, but once you clear those barriers -- and don't always expect grandeur -- it's not a bad trip."

Nintendo Power: 70% -- The Nintendo mag found unrealized potential. "While Opoona boasts nice backgrounds and music, and is fundamentally solid, it's definitely rough around the edges ... These flaws, fortunately, don't ruin the game, but don't expect something with a lot of polish."

Gallery: Opoona

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Metareview: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

Chris Greenhough — 2008-03-20T19:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Thanks to its point-and-pass mechanics and Mii integration, the Wii version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 can safely be described as the biggest upheaval of the series in years. But have such sweeping changes to one of the most finely balanced franchises in gaming been for the better? Well, the critics certainly seem to think so ...

Official Nintendo Magazine UK -- 90%: First out of the tunnel with its views is the UK edition of Official Nintendo Magazine, which suggests that persevering with the new Wii controls will pay dividends: "Easily the best football game on a Nintendo system. It takes a while to get used to the new controls but once you get your head round them, they become second nature." [March 2008, p.58 -- excerpt found at Metacritic]

IGN -- 86%: IGN's Matt Bozon argues that the Wii controls play a crucial role in creating the "most strategic" soccer experience ever: "The integration of IR into a sports game has been extremely minimal so far, but is absolutely ideal in this situation, allowing players to not only play the ball specifically, but direct traffic and precisely move every player on the field in tandem, making for the most realistic, strategic, and intuitive soccer experiences we've ever seen."

1UP -- 75%: And it's more of the same from 1UP's Andrew Pfister, who expresses surprise that the Wii version is so superior to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions: "It's always refreshing to see a unique application of the Wii's motion controls, and it's even more encouraging to see a new idea that's not only functional, but something that really can't be done any other way. We're not sure what's going on over at Konami's PES team: on one hand, there seem to be some major issues in regards to PS3/360 development, yet the less-technically apt Wii version ends up being the game to move the franchise forward."

Gallery: Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008

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Metareview: Sega Superstars Tennis

JC Fletcher — 2008-03-19T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Sega's decision to release Sega Superstars Tennis in March was a bold one: Many companies moved their releases out of the way of Nintendo's major offering -- and those games aren't competitive multiplayer games starring a cast of iconic video game company mascots from different games, battling on a variety of stages inspired by the games from whence the characters came.

No, we don't think Sega Superstars Tennis is a direct response to or an attempt to compete with Super Smash Bros. Brawl -- if it were, we wouldn't see Sonic in Nintendo's game. Sega Superstars Tennis is a smaller release, meant, we would guess, to bridge the gap between "casual gamers" and Sega superfans. Or, to be more cynical, to be a Virtua Tennis sequel without the likeness rights. Did Sega and Sumo Digital serve up an ace or a fault? Or is the game best analogized by some other tennis term? The reviews seem to range from the ecstatic to the nonplussed. Hit the post break for reviewers' opinions!

Official Nintendo Magazine UK -- 89%: Official Nintendo Magazine UK is down with the idea of giant anthropomorphic hedgehogs, dancing reporters, and futuristic teenage gang members playing tennis with monkeys: "This has overtaken Wii Sports as our favourite tennis experience on the Wii. It's great fun even if you're not a Sega fan, but the lack of online is an insult to Wii gamers." [Apr 2008, p.70]

EGM -- 70%*: Andrew Pfister saw less of a crazy Sega game on a tennis court and more of a tennis game with a Sega veneer: "It doesn't get much crazier than a mostly predictable "super" shot every once in a while. That leaves you with what's essentially Virtua Tennis -- though the controls feel a little looser -- which is totally fine." [Apr. 2008, p. 78]

IGN -- 62%: IGN's Matt Casamassina made no claims of the game's ability to usurp Wii Sports (though he does casually reveal that Gilius Thunderhead from Golden Axe is in it, and that therefore we all have to buy it): "On paper, the project is golden, but unfortunately the concept itself, while highly intriguing - hey, we still pick up Mario Tennis now and again - hasn't been executed as well as it might have been, and the end product suffers. The result is a game of tennis which is passable, but hardly impressive, and also one whose presentation remains sterile despite all of the colorful characters housed within."

*Metacritic has EGM's score aggregated at 58%, but we believe this is in error. Assuming that their A-F letter scale translates to 100%, each letter would represent twenty points. We converted the B-/C+/C scores to the numeric scores 80/70/60 and averaged accordingly.

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Metareview: Smash Bros. Brawl

David Hinkle — 2008-03-07T11:15:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

As one might expect, the flood of reviews for Super Smash Bros. Brawl available now all talk in favor of the game. In fact, there are multiple perfect scores for the game, from a variety of different outlets. Did you expect anything different? Well, we didn't. This might top Ocarina of Time as the #1 ranked game of all time.

Nintendo Power (100/100) says : "Rarely has any title delivered so much amazing action, such a wide variety of modes, and so many hours of value. It doesn't get any better than this." [Mar 2008, p.82]

GamePro (100/100) finds only a small amount of fault in the game, however it isn't enough to drop the score down at all: "It takes elements of past SSB games and refines them, which is great, but players expecting an entirely new experience won't find it here. Still, it is a well round game that doesn't disappoint and it's a must buy for every Wii owner."

IGN (95/100) thinks it's one of the best titles of this generation: "You will play the game to death when you get it. But unlike so many single-player hits, Metroid and Mario included, you will still be playing and consequently loving Brawl in the months and years to come. It is one of the great multiplayer titles of the generation and simply not to be missed."

GameTap (90/100) loves the lasting flavor: " Super Smash Bros. Brawl is a Wii game you can play forever...or at least, until the next Nintendo console arrives."

Gallery: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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Metareview: No More Heroes

Candace Savino — 2008-01-24T10:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

We've been eagerly anticipating the release of No More Heroes for a long time. There aren't too many titles that offer Wii gamers a mature experience, and we're looking for more diversity in our libraries. With No More Heroes, Suda 51 attempts to sate our cravings, while at the same time making the game ridiculous and quirky. But, is it any good?

You can release the breath that you've been holding; it looks like No More Heroes lives up to all the hype (or at least, most of it).

Need some proof? See for yourselves:

IGN (78/100) thinks that despite the game's shortcomings, No More Heroes is worth getting: "No More Heroes isn't the most polished game out there, and it certainly has its fair share of quirks all around, but it deserves to keep its place in the libraries of the more serious Wii gamers just the same. Suda 51 promised a violent, stylistic spectacle, and he delivered."

GamePro (90/100) raves over the game's combat and its use of the lightsaber: "For every gamer who's felt disappointed by tacked-on motion controls, I present the game that has completely captured the essence of the Force. No More Heroes? Try No More Competition."

NGamer (94/100) says that the playing No More Heroes is a unique experience: "The mishmash of visual styles, music and the world's most flamboyant dialogue has no comparison to anything else; it's impossible to put the game in a box, except to say that it is unquestionably, undeniably, unequivocally No More Heroes, and you have never played anything like this before."

Gallery: No More Heroes

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Metareview: Endless Ocean

David Hinkle — 2008-01-23T13:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Our blogger in the UK, Chris, provided us with a review of the title last month (thanks to the game releasing in his territory before ours, for a change) and spoke his mind concerning the undersea exploration within. After providing his honest opinion on the title, many here who were otherwise dead-set on picking this one up (this blogger included) then began to contemplate the other releases this week. Soon, its place among the "must-haves" for the week was in question, and we started thinking about picking up one or the other.

What about you all, though? Have you picked up Endless Ocean and found the critics to be off their rockers? Is this game awesome and nobody but IGN knows it?

Let's get to the reviews:

IGN (80/100) says: "There are enough missions, from becoming a tour guide for other divers to photographing rare fish, to keep you busy for hours, but you might just prefer the pointless exploration to accomplishing set goals. Add in a two-player online mode and there's a lot to like about this scuba-diving simulation, even if some of its basic controls are wonky and its action-oriented scenarios limited. Did I mention it's only $29.99?"

Game Informer (60/100) thinks: "Have you ever wanted to be as cool as Aquaman, except without any super powers? You could swim around, make friends with fish, and...well, that's about it. That is exactly what Endless Ocean delivers, giving players a chance to pet all sorts of underwater wildlife and watch them float by. The few other distractions, like taking pictures and filling an aquarium, provide only the barest incentive to keep going."

Eurogamer (60/100) labels the game: "Endless Ocean is simple to the point of being quite dull, and certainly no masterpiece. But sometimes all a game needs to do is offer you something different, and it's an honest relief to play something that doesn't shout in your ear, set any time limits, or feature a single explosion; a game whose raison d'être is just beauty and peace. Playing this game is almost like taking a holiday from gaming. If you can live with that paradox - and if you can find it reasonably cheap - it's worth dipping a toe in these calm, blue waters."

GamePro (25/100) magazine critiques: "Endless Ocean's underwater atmosphere is soothing and relaxing but it lacks a crucial element: fun." [Feb 2008, p.84]

Gallery: Endless Ocean

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Metareview: Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law

JC Fletcher — 2008-01-10T14:15:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Who is the man in the suit? How is his game on the Wii? Do you really want to see scores? It seems like a can't miss formula: use the game design from a funny game about lawyers and the writing from a funny TV show about lawyers. Apparently, though, Harvey Birdman suffers from the fact that the writers are used to providing twelve minutes of material at a time.

Game Informer -- 60%: GI's Joe Juba thinks that the game gets in the way of all the lulz you could be lulling: "On one hand, it's commendable that Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law succeeds in capturing the humor of the cartoon. But do you know what else does that? The cartoon itself. With the latter, however, you just get to sit back and enjoy the irreverence. In the game, you are forced to interact with an unintuitive world devoid of any satisfaction. The correct choices are either obvious or ridiculous, robbing you of any sense that you're putting together pieces in a meaningful way."

Game|Life --60%: Chris Kohler found the game short and easy, but satisfying in the comedy department: "If you're looking for something as challenging as Phoenix Wright, be warned that Birdman comes up far short in this regard. Play this one if all you want is a few more hours with Harvey with some light gameplay elements squeezed in."

1UP -- 55%: The comedy didn't work as well for Andrew Fitch, he found that it either was old or obfuscated the clue-hunting gameplay: "Gameplay aside, in a lighthearted adventure like this, the biggest crime is not being consistently funny...an offense of which Harvey Birdman is regrettably guilty. The script, penned by two of the show's creators, feels like slapped-together B material, and the rare laugh-out-loud moments -- such as trench coat-clad spy Secret Squirrel's penchant for flashing -- are recycled from funnier capers on the original series."

Gallery: Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law

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Metareview: NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams

JC Fletcher — 2007-12-20T17:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

It's time for a collective "Uh-oh!" We've been hoping against hope that NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams would be the game to bring Sega back from their current ruinous state to, well, where they were 11 years ago when the first NiGHTS came out. Back then they were a perfect counterpart to Nintendo, with NiGHTS exploring the move to 3D in a completely different way from Nintendo's Mario 64. It was fresh, exciting, and infinitely replayable.

So when Sega revealed the new NiGHTS on the Wii, we thought the timing was right for a brilliant return to form from Sonic Team, complete with another exciting new controller with which to tool around some ring-filled fantasy lands. Did it turn out like we dreamed? It appears not. At best, it looks like "a pretty good game" -- not quite the Sega renaissance we'd hoped. At least it's not Sonic the Hedgehog bad.

Nintendo Power -- 90%: Nintendo Power shows a secret love for classic Sega -- who knew? "Like the first game, Journey of Dreams does have its share of flaws -- some of the voice acting is questioniable, the on-foot levels are a bit dull, and the motion controls disappoint (steering NiGHTS with the analog stick works much better) -- but the whole is somehow greater than the sum of its parts. This was obviously a labor of love for the development team--something that goes beyond the nuts and bolts of typical game design."

GameSpot -- 75%: GameSpot's Kevin VanOrd makes the game sound fairly cozy for old NiGHTS players and gorgeously dreamlike for new ones: "Once you get settled in with your preferred controls, you'll find Journey of Dreams is an often joyous experience. You'll soar through some lush, colorful dream worlds, from a fragile land of glass to a Broadway-inspired neon utopia. You will often interact with elements of these worlds in clever ways, such as bumping into huge floating billiard balls or having to watch your reflection in the mirror to collect blue chips and fly through rings."

1UP -- 70%: Shane Bettenhausen found that the game's often-slavish devotion to 1996-era design ideals may have kept the game faithful, but it also brought along some unwelcome decisions: "Likewise, poor design choices and a ticking clock conspire to create some of the most confusing boss encounters in recent memory. After blazing through three flight stages you're given only one shot at felling a massive opponent -- if you don't clue into how to damage its tricky weak spot within the strict time limit, look forward to doing it all over again."

We tend to find our personal all-time classics in the mid-70s "good" territory, plus we're blindly devoted to the ideal of a real Sega, so we're just going to wait and see for our own playthrough. It's clear that NiGHTS isn't the smash hit we hoped for, though.

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Metareview: Star Trek: Conquest

Eric Caoili — 2007-12-06T18:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

We were excited when we heard that Bethesda was bringing Star Trek: Conquest to the Wii, even more so when the strategy/shooter's $30 budget pricing was revealed ($15 for the PS2 version). So, now that it's out, is it worth its weight in gold-pressed latinum? Well, no.

IGN -- 68%: Though Star Trek: Conquest is technically sound, IGN doesn't think there's enough there to warrant pruchasing: "The game is obviously a quick cash-out strategy game that does little to innovate, and lacks the serious depth it takes to sit among the ranks of strategy greats ... For starters, there's no multiplayer at all in the game, so while it's a turn-based board game in nearly every respect, you'll be playing one-on-one with the computer only, rather than bringing friends into the action via local or online play. Even further, the game has no real story mode, as it only includes a user-defined 'Campaign' mode and skirmish extra mode."

Gamespy -- 20%: GameSpy agrees, and takes issue with its combat portions and inaccuracies: "It's not a very good shooter, with trudging controls, no choice over which of your ships you control (you only get to control one), and bland graphics. And just to drive the license fully into the ground, you'll encounter fun things like Borg spheres as fast/light 'scout' vessels. Technically, Conquest could be worse, since it loads quickly and has no real technical issues. But there is simply no reason to play this game or spend the money on it."

Remember how every other episode of The Next Generation climaxed with some sort of warp core breach that required a saucer separation? The red alert klaxon would sound off and the camera would cut to a shot of Geordi rolling dramatically under one of the descending emergency gates, just narrowly escaping death and ensuring he'd be around to host another episode of Reading Rainbow.

We imagine that's just how your Christmas morning would play out if someone were to gift you Star Trek: Conquest, except instead of a saucer separation, you'll be running out of the house and jumping into your car, driving away as fast as possible, glancing at your rearview mirror just in time to see your house explode spectacularly behind you.

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Metareview: Link's Crossbow Training

Eric Caoili — 2007-11-21T11:15:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Four quick explanations for why we're using this lounging lizard for the metareview's post image:

Uh, he's green. Just like Link.
As you can tell from his pose, he's not too impressed with Link's Crossbow Training.
Look at the damn guy. Do we really need to explain ourselves? We wish we could do a metareview on the lizard instead.
Consider the lizard a bonus that we're throwing in with this metareview bundle.

Priced ridiculously low at $20, Nintendo's Zapper bundle seems like an easy buy for most gamers, but for those of you who're waiting for impressions on its pack-in game, Link's Crossbow Training, we've got you covered.

GameDaily -- 80%: While GameDaily feels there's enough in there to keep you playing longer than just an hour or two, the reviewer still wishes there was more to the game: "Although it doesn't have as many options (Practice, four person multiplayer) as Nintendo's famous pack-in, Wii Sports, Crossbow Training will keep you entertained for hours, especially if you love Zelda. And yet, it could have been so much better. Had the developers programmed online leader boards, millions of trigger happy gamers could compete with each other for the best scores."

IGN -- 70%: IGN disagrees and says there's less than an hour's worth of content, but is willing to forgive the game due to its cheap price: "Lasting Appeal: Over in less than an hour. A two-player mode cannot be played simultaneously. Even getting all platinums in levels is not overly difficult. But again, it's only $19.99."

NintendoWorldReport -- 60%: NWR also has some complaints with Link's Crossbow Training's "multiplayer" support: "The game also features a multiplayer mode that misses on almost every level. Up to four players can be chosen, and then any one level can be chosen. Players then pass the Zapper around as they each play the stage alone. This passive multiplayer would make sense if they were doing it to maintain the integrity of high scores, but high scores aren't even recorded when playing in this mode. Overall, just don't expect the game to be a huge party hit, as most of the people will be sitting and watching, awaiting their turns."

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Metareview: Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles

JC Fletcher — 2007-11-14T10:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

We've all been as restless as the walking dead waiting for the first original Resident Evil game on the Wii, wondering if the new gun game will manage to outshine the previous Gun Survivor games and provide both a faithful Resident Evil experience and an awesome light-gun game. Now that reviewers have torn into the title, we can find out if Umbrella Chronicles was the Master of Unlocking ... their hearts.

Gametrailers -- 83%: This isn't really a summation of the review, nor is it representative of the whole review, but we just wanted to post it, to point out the kinds of things video game reviewers have to think about: "While Umbrella Chronicles is fantastic overall, there are a few gripes. Annoyances like leeches and small spiders jump at the screen, forcing you to mindlessly shake the remote until you've sliced through them all. Slashing at a creature that's presumably on your face breaks the sense of immersion. Also, the vomit that some zombies spew at you can be quickly shot out of the sky, which doesn't make much sense."

1UP -- 75%: 1UP's review finds the game slower-paced and more involved than the average gun game, and loaded with Resident Evil series references: "The files, notes, and diaries you'll often attain while doing so are just one example of the copious fan service that seems to be the true driving force behind the entire experience. Whether you're playing from new perspectives in old scenarios or filling in story gaps with cut-scenes or entire levels, there's a ridiculous amount of information and background for Resident Evil nuts to absorb. The convoluted, poorly acted narrative is as dismissive to newcomers as ever, but they'll be in it for different reasons anyhow (zombies + guns = fun)."

GamePro -- 85%: GamePro's reviewer decided to tease another console's upcoming game in the review for this one, presumably just to be mean: "It combines the atmospheric charm of the ResEvil series with awesome light-gun gameplay, then throws in a wealth of bonus material to unlock and discover. It's the perfect way to prepare yourself for the upcoming Resident Evil 5."

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Meta(video)review: Super Mario Galaxy [update]

David Hinkle — 2007-11-08T20:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Video, Metareview

Update: IGN has finally gotten around to their video review, so we added it. Thanks to SuperDave for the heads up, yet again!

A couple of outlets have already tossed up video reviews for the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy. What we've done is collected them all past the break for a special video version of our Metareview feature. Past the break is three different video reviews for the game, neatly situated for your viewing pleasure. If you want to go into the game pure, however, then you might not want to check them out.

[Thanks, SuperDave!]

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Metareview: Manhunt 2

David Hinkle — 2007-10-30T18:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Those of you with a taste for the violent and gruesome have likely already given Manhunt 2 a lengthy play session or two, perhaps even gone so far as to finish the game. Well, some of the critics have, as well, and what they've come away from the experience with is nothing but a bad taste in their mouth, apparently. Most have found the game competent, at best, while others have found the game to be average or less.

Let's see what the critics said, before we get into what you think, shall we?

IGN (77/100) says it isn't as good as the first game: "The AI doesn't feel as good as the first game, the setting and environments don't feel as menacing, and the story is definitely weaker. That isn't to say that Manhunt 2 isn't a good game, because it is - Danny and Leo's adventure is enjoyable, especially if you've played the first title and have been waiting to eliminate enemies with plastic bags, crowbars or other household items. But as a whole, Manhunt 2 isn't the tour de force title that will grab your attention and keep you there like the first one did."

Games Radar (70/100) thinks it's just a dumbed-down stealth game: "It's hardly the pinnacle of stealth games - the enemies are dumb, and there's not much to do aside from sneaking and killing - but if you're in the mood for something creepy and horrific that'll leave you feeling a little dirty, Manhunt 2's still-shocking murders and eerie, is-it-real-or-am-I-just-insane storyline won't disappoint."

GameSpy (50/100) is of the mind that the game could've been something much better: "It's difficult to recommend Manhunt 2 in its current M-rated form to anyone. This material isn't just inappropriate for children, it's not appropriate for most of the people you know. The background material behind the storyline is well developed enough, and those with considerable tolerance for over-the-top gore and violence may derive some pleasure from it. But the game's execution as a bland third-person stealth adventure with sub-par combat and annoyingly stylized death sequences hamstrings what could have been a sleeper hit for mature audiences. It's hard to completely blame Rockstar for all the failings of Manhunt 2, considering the ESRB's hand in crippling the developer's vision."

1UP (40/100) trashes it: "Really, the game warrants a 4 because it's technically playable and, despite its best efforts, probably won't plunge the industry into a period of navel-gazing and political sanction. Everything else about it is largely forgettable."

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Metareview: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Alisha Karabinus — 2007-10-25T12:45:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

For once, it looks like something may almost live up to the hype: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure is getting great reviews (though of course, the best comes from the game's biggest fan). Despite the two -- count 'em! -- less-than-awesome titles, the game seems to have managed to pull through into the realm of eminently playable.

IGN -- 90%: After Matt Casamassina stopped hyperventilating over the title, he regained consciousness and found that the control scheme worked really well with the Wii's setup: "It's a strange thing to write, but despite utilizing a control method more akin to classic adventure games - you don't actually control the hero and his sidekick so much as you direct them through levels - Z&W really uses the Wii remote well. If you've been playing videogames as long as we have, you'll be able to recall those old-time favorites - your Kings Quests, Monkey Islands and Full Throttles - whose point-and-click setup and clever hurdles drew you in."

Game Informer (second opinion) -- 78%: Another Matt, Matt Helgeson, to be exact, didn't quite wet himself over the game: "It's certainly charming, and its Wii remote controlled action/puzzle gameplay is nothing if not unique. At its best, it gives you a mix of intriguing puzzles and novel motion-based minigames that's like nothing else out there. However, this game is frustrating as often as it's fun, and at times the Wii control features seem to be doing little more than making the gameplay sloppier and less exact than it should be. It's an interesting concept that could have used a bit more polish."

Gamespot -- 85%: Gamespot let a dude who wasn't named Matt have a crack at the title, and while he thought it was a little disjointed, overall, Zack & Wiki comes out on top: "All told, Zack & Wiki is a winner. It might not win you over with its characters or story, but it will with its wonderfully crafted puzzles and sharp control mechanics. It's just the sort of game Wii owners have been pining for, the sort of game that blends accessibility and challenge into one seamless whole, and does it without devolving into yet another minigame collection."

All in all, it looks like the hype train has pulled through the station and is chugging along at a good clip. Are you on it?

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Metareview: Metroid Prime 3

David Hinkle — 2007-08-29T12:45:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

Finally, the game we've all been waiting for has arrived and boy has it been well-received. Seriously, just about every review of the title lauds it for its control scheme and graphics. But, you probably already know the control scheme and graphics are great.

Anyway, let's get to the scores:

Nintendo Power (100/100) says it's perfect: "The stunning visuals and immersive gameplay of the finale to the Prime series proves that the Wii is ready for the mainstream gamer." [Oct 2007, p.86]

IGN (95/100) finds the title to be a melting pot of excellence: "Not only do the new controls respond quicker and with more precision than any dual-analog-helmed FPS ever created, but the gesture system works brilliantly, too. Meanwhile, the title delivers everything a Metroid fan could hope for, including spectacular environmental puzzles, epic boss fights and intense combat, all wrapped up in a package that spans multiple worlds and is filled with re-traversal exploration."

Game Informer (95/100) says it's the best Prime to date: "Corruption isn't just the best-looking Wii game to date; it's the best Metroid Prime game period. This is due in large part to the fluid controls. The highly debated, stubborn lock-on aiming system has been replaced with something far better. You can finally look around while moving by aiming the Wii remote."

1UP (90/100) found the game to play up the Wii's strengths and play down its weaknesses: "
On the whole, Corruption takes advantage of the Wii's biggest strength (with its unique controls), and minimizes its greatest weakness (through astounding art direction), while otherwise maintaining or improving upon the high standards and overall polish the series is known for."

GameSpot (85/100) found fault only in the lack of multiplayer: "It's got exactly what you would expect from the last in an acclaimed trilogy of titles: great boss battles, involved environmental puzzles, and a smooth control scheme that cements exactly how FPS controls should work on the platform...While the lack of multiplayer is disappointing, the single-player campaign won't leave you wanting."

Gallery: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

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Metareview: Madden 08

David Hinkle — 2007-08-15T12:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

With Madden 08 being on store shelves for two days now, we're sure the game has sold half a billion copies. Unlike the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, which are almost exact copies of each other, the Wii version stands out as a unique title. Also, we can play online without friend codes. Oh, how sweet it is.

What did the critics have to say about the game?

IGN (85/100) says it's a big improvement over last year, but still has its faults: "The game makes great use of motion with better-implemented and easier to pull off moves than 07, it has more modes, far more multiplayer both locally and now online, and is generally superior in nearly every regard. On the flipside, Wii's second Madden still suffers from a ton of last-generation bugs, with everything from moronic AI and cheap pass defense to disappearing pass icons and odd camera glitches that cloak the entire playfield in blur effects."

Cheat Code Central (84/100) lauds the game's new additions: "A great game. The new additions to the title are innovative and impact the gameplay positively. Online play will prove to be a boon for Wii owners, the Party mode helps make the title stand out on this console, and the high quality graphics make it competitive with the other versions."

GameSpot (80/100) finds the game to be appealing to fans of football and those curious as to what it's all about: "As it is, it's a great follow-up with a few quirks that are mostly forgivable. For fans of last year's game, or those curious for the first time about football on the Wii, Madden 08 is worth checking out."

GameDaily (80/100) thinks not only the football is fun, but all of the other extras, as well: "Don't purchase Madden NFL 08 expecting beautiful visuals and slick looking menus. Buy it because you crave a more interactive experience as well as modes that you can't find in the other versions. With 22 mini games, trivia and fun controls, this gridiron giant runs the pigskin into the end zone."

So, have any of you picked this up? What do you think so far?

Gallery: Madden 08

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Metareview: Boogie

David Hinkle — 2007-08-10T15:10:00 00:00

Filed under: Metareview

We haven't seen many reviews for the game yet, but what's out there certainly warrants discussion. It's been mostly good scores, but 1UP certainly didn't like it in the long run. But, without further delay, let's check out the reviews so we can get to the good part: your thoughts.

GamePro (80/100) thinks the game only lacks the fun of multi-tasking: "Pros: Easy, accessible fun. Song list is varied and interesting. Cons: You can't sing and dance at the same time, there's no online play and the replay value is low."
Game Informer (78/100) is of the mind that the game isn't for music snobs: "Leave your stuffy music and game sensibilities at the door - Boogie has a more plebeian appeal."
Games Radar (70/100) says multiplayer makes it last: "As with most Wii games, it really glistens with more than one player. If you're willing to commit to Boogie, mind, body and sooooul, it's a goddamned blast, channeling the same enthusiastic participation we all had last year when firing up Wii Sports first time. But then it's all over too quickly, and too easily."
1UP (30/100) really trashes the game: "The fact that this game is fun for exactly 20 minutes, and only in a group of two or more, should keep you from buying this game. In the end, Boogie is light on dancing, light on karaoke -- a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none moment of fluff."

Gallery: Boogie

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